Two specially prepared models of the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® – the most powerful and best handling Jeep vehicle ever – were delivered yesterday to Scuderia Ferrari Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa at the Fiorano circuit in Maranello, Italy.

The identical custom-built vehicles were handed over to the two star drivers by Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations – SRT Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC.

The iconic, seven-slot Jeep front grille is painted matt black and features custom red inserts. A race-inspired, offset black driver’s stripe with a white accent customises the front and rear bumpers, bonnet, the entire surface of the roof and the rear spoiler. Additional exclusive details include a matt black painted dual-pane sunroof, Carbon fibre mirror surrounds and a gloss black rear light bar with red accents on the Jeep logo. To complete the unique exterior trim of the two custom-built SRT8 models, the Italian flag has been painted on the underside of the rear spoiler: a tribute to the Ferrari F150º Formula One car.

Ride height has been lowered 1.5 inches and both vehicles ride on unique forged aluminium, 20-inch wheels painted black, to give them an even more aggressive stance.

In line with the vehicle’s custom exterior, the interior cabin is enhanced by exclusive Ferrari Red leather inserts on the seats with sculpted bolsters. Also the door trim panels, the central armrest and the instrument panel boast exclusive red leather. The leather-wrapped SRT8 steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters features red contrasting stitching. The unique instrument cluster features yellow dials which give the cabin a look of the GT cars produced in Maranello.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by an all-new 6.4-litre HEMI® V-8 engine with Fuel Saver technology that switches off four of the eight cylinders when full power is not required, to ensure increased fuel economy. Thanks to the powerful HEMI V-8 powertrain delivering 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 624 Nm of torque, the SRT8 model achieves benchmark performance of 0-62 mph in 5 seconds, has a top speed of 160 mph and brakes from 62-0 mph in 35 m.

“We’re excited and proud to be able to share ‘Ferrari-style’ custom-built versions of the most powerful and best handling Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 ever with two of the most talented drivers in the world,” Paretta said. “We know that both Fernando and Felipe will feel right at home in our ultimate performance SUVs that are identically built with classic Ferrari styling cues and one-of-a-kind Rosso Corsa exteriors. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 brings a combination of Jeep’s world-class capability to the road or the race track along with unparalleled luxury and refinement and advanced innovative technologies for all driving enthusiasts.”

The two, uniquely customised Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 models are based on the new high-performance model of the Jeep flagship SUV set to arrive in Europe, where it will be available in Jeep dealerships starting in May.